About Deodorant Stains

Deodorant is a product applied to the skin, mainly the underarms, designed to reduce body odor. Antiperspirants are a type of deodorant designed to also reduce the sweat that is associated with body odor. However, sometimes when a person wears these products, he still sweats--not only leaving sweat stains, but also stains from the deodorant. These stains can discolor your clothing and leave an unpleasant smell. However, there are methods you can use to try to restore your favorite clothes before you toss them due to unsightly stains.

Considerations

While you may not always be able to remove a stain, it is suggested that you make any attempts to treat it as soon as possible. Also, as some methods may cause further damage to clothing, it is best to test applying any product to a small area of the clothing first. Whether the treatment works may also depend on the type of fabric. Be cautious when using treatments for colored clothing.

Prevention/Solution

Treating the stained area with household products such as undiluted vinegar, peroxide, ammonia or lemon juice may help to remove ugly underarm stains. After soaking the clothing for a few hours, thoroughly wash and rinse. Apply rubbing alcohol to the stain. Rubbing the stain with an alcohol-based wipe may also help.

Prevention/Solution

Make a paste of baking soda and vinegar and apply it to the stain. Scrub the area, let the mixture set in for approximately an hour, and wash the article of clothing. This is often a suggestion for white or light-colored clothing, and it will help to fade or completely remove the stain from the clothes. Alternatives include pastes of boric acid and water or aspirin dissolved in warm water.

Prevention/Solution

Stain sticks, spray-on stain removers or oxygenating cleaning products may be effective in removing the stain. For the removers, add them to the item of clothing and leave them on for the specified amount of time, then follow by washing. The oxygenating products usually can be added directly to the wash water.

Considerations

Sometimes when you wear dark clothing, if you put your deodorant on first, you may find that you end up with a deodorant stripe on your clothes that may be hard to remove. Suggestions for removing this stain include using the foam rubber from dry-cleaner hangers to rub the across the stain and try to remove it. Nylon stockings can also be used.